Russia's Prime Minister for expanding trade with Thailand

Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov has expressed himself in favour of expanding trade with Thailand.

"Trade between the two countries should be in line with to the potentials of Russia and Thailand," the Russian premier said, opening in Government House a meeting with Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in Moscow for an official visit.

Today's visit is the first in the history of relations between Russian and Thai leaderships. The last time Thailand's leaders visited the then Soviet Union was in 1988.

At their negotiations the heads of government will discuss cooperation between the two countries through diplomatic channels, in law enforcement, and also in trade and economic ties.

Kasyanov spoke of the need for the two countries to cooperate in the struggle against international terrorism and drug trafficking.

"Our relations with Thailand have always been friendly and nothing has ever darkened them," the premier said, adding that Russia sees in Thailand a major and promising partner.

Thailand's prime minister, in his turn, noted that his country's relations with Russia "are making headway, and today's negotiations are an important stage in the 105-year-old history of relations between Thailand and Russia".